After seeing "Whistle Down the Wind" in 1962, the then 18 year old Ivan Ulz (aka Billy Kidd) made a recording of a song he had written called, "A Letter to Hayley." "It's about a guy who writes a letter to Hayley proclaiming his undying love. The reply he receives tells him 'that ain't enough...and to send 25 cents!' In the final verse he epresses his joy at finally having Hayley for his own because he really convinced her of his love and...'I sent her 25 cents for an autographed picture, etc..."
"A Letter to Hayley" was released in 1963 on Lar-Bel Records, which was owned by Bruce Belland and Glen Larson (two of the Four Preps). It flopped. But less than six months after its release it was redone and released as "A Letter to the Beatles" by the 4 Preps.
Since then, Ivan has gone on to write songs for many musicians, including Hoyt Axton and Suzy Bogguss. In September, he has a brand new children's CD coming out. But after 35 years, he still looks back on "A Letter to Hayley" with fondness. "The song was written in hopes that Hayley would hear it and fall in love with me as I had with her. I still wonder if she ever did hear it..."
Courtesy of Ivan Ulz, here is "A Letter to Hayley" in its entirety.
"A Letter to Hayley" - 452kbSources: Ivan Ulz, Gary Tibbs, NY Press
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